CLAN CAMBELL OF ARGYLL

Pat Fish's proud heritage as a Scot-Pict-Celt

The Saltire

Inverary Castle

The Rampant Lion

This castle was built in 1744 by the third Duke of Argyll, and it remains today the home of the present head of my clan, the 13th Duke of Argyll. I am a Campbell on both side of my heritage, and have visited in Scotland a number of times, driving through the epic landscape and tasting uisge beatha the “lively water of life.”

Campbell Clan Badge

NE OBLIVISCARISWhich I interpret to mean "Don't be oblivious."

The first paperwork I got when I joined the Clan Campbell Society of North America said that, strictly speaking, the Campbells are NOT considered Celts. This was a bit shocking! Since I've made a bit of a reputation for myself as a Celtic enthusiast I was truly upset. But the next sentence put me at ease. The Campbells are PICTS. Known in history and fable as the PICTORIAL PEOPLE, celebrated for their prowess as tattooed fighters whose appearance on the battlefield struck terror into the hearts of their opponents.

For more information about the Picts and their ancient tattoo tradition, visit the Pictish Tattooing page.

MANY ARE CHOSEN, BUT FEW ARE PICT!I believe that having an ethnic identity centers us in the continuity of time, and a link to ones past is a wonderful thing. It is especially fortunate that many people are able to find a family crest that one of their ancestors used. They make marvelous tattoos.

Of course, if you are so lucky as to be Scottish you will also have a Clan Badge and tartan that you have the right to wear! I have a page on this site that shows examples of Heraldry Tattoos; to view them click HERE. Also, you can visit the Pictish Tattoo Page for more inspiration. Click Here for wearable Pictish Art.